About 35 percent of Americans are in a constant battle with obesity, according to Scientific American. While diet and exercise are major players in the weight struggle, some researchers believe that gut microbes can affect the body's ability to maintain a healthy weight too. In fact, researchers say that these microbes can affect your mood, immune system and proclivity for diseases such as diabetes and cancer as well, according to Mercola.
Scientists estimate that for each of our "human cells" there are 10 microbial cells. This combination of microbes makes up your microbiome — you inherit some but lifestyle choices influence the rest. These microbes, or bacteria, can have a huge impact on your digestive system, which in turn affects the rest of your body, according to WebMD.
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An imbalance of microbes, or the wrong mix, may put you at higher risk for disease and obesity, according to Scientific American.
How to tell if your bacteria is out of whack
You may be able to reduce your risk of disease and make living a healthier lifestyle a bit easier if you can get your bacteria balance back on track. But, how can you tell if your gut bacteria is off? A few signs to look for include:
You may be able to reduce your risk of disease and make living a healthier lifestyle a bit easier if you can get your bacteria balance back on track. But, how can you tell if your gut bacteria is off? A few signs to look for include:
Tummy troubles: Gas, bloating and acid reflux are a few signs that your gut is not in the best shape. You may also experience irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea or constipation, according to Paleo Hacks.
Alertness/mental health: If you struggle with depression, OCD or fogginess, your gut bacteria may be out of whack.
Skin issues: While many people think that skin disorders such as acne or psoriasis indicate a problem in the visibly infected area, researchers now believe this may not be true. A bacteria imbalance in your gut could result in dry skin, acne or rashes, according to Paleo Hacks.
Restoring your gut bacteria to normal levels
If you suspect your gut bacteria are out of balance, try making a few lifestyle changes to get your body back in good working order. Some tips include eliminating sugar and processed foods, and eating more fiber. Too many simple carbs (sugar) require little help from our microbes to digest, while whole grains and green leafy vegetables help feed the microbes in the body, according to Everyday Health.
If you suspect your gut bacteria are out of balance, try making a few lifestyle changes to get your body back in good working order. Some tips include eliminating sugar and processed foods, and eating more fiber. Too many simple carbs (sugar) require little help from our microbes to digest, while whole grains and green leafy vegetables help feed the microbes in the body, according to Everyday Health.
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Researchers also recommend limiting antibiotic use, taking a probiotic and going organic with cleaning products in the house. Another way to get your gut healthy (and increase your overall happiness) is to ditch the stress with meditation or exercise, according to Everyday Health.